NGOs do some Straits talking
( 2002-01-30 01:11 ) (1 )

Women, young people and trade unionists Tuesday urged Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian to take concrete steps to respond to Beijing's goodwill gesture on cross-Straits relations.

At a Beijing seminar organized by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, the All-China Women's Federation and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the participants said the Taiwan authorities led by Chen should return to the one-China principle at an early date.

The call came after Chen welcomed on Monday Vice-Premier Qian Qichen's invitation to members of Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party to visit or tour the mainland.

There was widespread praise on the island for Qian's remarks, which he made last Thursday to mark the seventh anniversary of a key speech on Taiwan policy given by President Jiang Zemin.

Chen was reported as saying: "I personally believe we should always welcome any remarks or actions that can help improve cross-Straits relations.

"As for future developments, we will always welcome and express thanks as long as everyone has sincerity and goodwill to stabilize, improve and raise the level of cross-Straits relations.''

But Chen once again asked the United States to sell the island more advanced weapons during his meeting with Richard Bush, Washington's chief unofficial representative to Taiwan.

At Tuesday's seminar, Zhou Qiang -- first secretary of the Secretariat of the Communist Youth League's Central Committee -- said: "We have noticed that the Taiwan leader is still stubbornly clinging to the pro-independence stance and engaging in separatist moves.''

He accused Chen of supporting separatist activities by promoting "gradual Taiwan independence'' through his "de-Sinicization'' policy.

Pro-independence forces are provoking conflicts between different ethnic groups and causing social turbulence under the disguise of so-called localization, he noted. "All these moves to impair national sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermine the development of cross-Straits ties and peaceful reunification will draw resolute opposition from all Chinese people, including the Taiwan compatriots,'' Zhou said.

Li Qisheng, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, said Chen's refusal to accept the one-China principle and 1992 consensus should be blamed for the stalemate in cross-Straits relations.

Chen's rejection is a potential source of instability or even crisis in bilateral ties, said Li.

Li pointed out that Chen's move goes against Taiwanese mainstream public opinion, which backs the pursuit of peace, stability and development.

Shen Shuji, vice-chairwoman of the All-China Women's Federation, said: "The Taiwan leader should not misjudge the situation and walk further along the road to Taiwan independence.''

The participants at the seminar vowed to make great efforts to strengthen exchange and co-operation among young people, women and workers on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Such unofficial cross-Straits links will help promote better understanding among people in Taiwan and the mainland and contribute to reunification, they said.

(China Daily by Xing Zhigang)